SYLLABUS TA3

CONFIDENCE BUILDING AND SELF-ESTEEM CLASS – TA3 (3 units)

Instructor: James Callner MA Theater Arts

Office Hours: Tues-Thurs - 6:30pm -7pm or by arrangement

Via phone or Skype: jimcallner or Email: James_callner@wvm.edu

Office: TA 28-phone 741-2456

Texts:

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway. Susan Jeffers (Required)

The Comedy Bible: From Stand-up to Sitcom--The Comedy Writer's Ultimate "How To" Guide ~ Judy Carter (Recommended)

Materials Needed: Journal or notepad.

Course Description:

This course is designed to help individuals help themselves to gain self-esteem, self-confidence and develop techniques of overcoming fears. Through lecture, exercises and experiences students will learn the process of feeling "feelings" to develop an awareness of self-nurturing and self-esteem in performance situations and more. Note: The number one universal fear is PUBLIC SPEAKING! Positive risk taking is the most powerful and important part of recovering from pain and low self-esteem. We will work hard on safe “risking” and performing. No one will be force to do anything they don’t want to do.

Content covered:

Discussion and exercises on:

1. The process of your "fears."

2. Positive esteeming.

3. Coping with performance anxiety.

4. Letting go of what others think of you.

5. Being honesty with yourself.

6. Risk-taking.

7. No secrets.

8. Finding your talent

9. Living in solutions rather than problems.

10. Comedy and performance with total support!

Grading:

Participation and Assignments 50%

Exercises - 30%

Final - 20%

Note: This experience is like no other you'll have in college! Keep a journal. Digital recorders are allowed. Extra credit for extra self-enhancing risk-taking is always an option. This class is all about self-growth…. your growth.

West Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. College materials will be available in alternate formats (Braille, audio, electronic format, or large print) upon request. Please contact the Disability and Educational Support Program at (408) 741-2010 (voice) or (408) 741-2658 (TTY) for assistance.